Changes to the JLT Sheffield Shield and Women’s National Cricket League have been announced, as part of multiple adjustments to playing conditions for 2018-19.

Cricket Australia’s (CA) Playing Conditions Advisory Committee (PCAC) has made recommendations for the upcoming domestic summer.

On a one-year trial, if a JLT Sheffield Shield Final is drawn, a winner will be determined by the bonus points system used throughout the season.

If the match is drawn - provided 270 overs are played - the system will come into play, with the change designed to encourage both teams to push a result in the same positive manner they have played the season.

The system allows for 0.01 bonus points for each run scored above 200 in the first 100 overs of each innings, and 0.1 for each wicket within those 100 overs.

In the WNCL, two new balls will now be used from the start of each innings. The change sees the competition align with ICC playing conditions, and ensures Australia’s elite female players can replicate the conditions they face at international level.

Other changes for the upcoming domestic summer include:

A heat policy being introduced for all CA competitions

Runners being permitted for an injured batter at the fall of the 9th wicket of an innings

Batters being able to be dismissed if a ball is hit and lodges in or under a fielders’ helmet, on the full (in line with ICC playing conditions)

“It’s important we continually look at the game, and assess options to get the best outcome for players, fans and Australian cricket in general,” Roach said.

“We’ve had productive conversations with the players and we’d like to thank them for their input in finalising the playing conditions for this summer.

“In the case of the Sheffield Shield Final, we wished to ensure the match is a fitting finale to our marquee men’s domestic competition.

“The previous rule allowing the home team to win the final in the case of a draw was not consistent with how this competition is generally played. In the past six seasons, we have had only two results in the five-day final – 33 per cent – compared to a 79 per cent win-rate in the four-day home and away matches.

“The rule will be trialled this year, and we believe it will encourage the teams involved to push for a result and improve the spectacle in the tournament’s showcase match.

“Having two new balls in each innings for WNCL matches was a relatively simple decision. With this system now in place in Women’s ODI cricket, it ensures our elite female players have the best chance of succeeding when they play at the highest level.

“Introducing a heat policy for domestic cricket was originally raised by the CA-ACA OHS committee some years ago. CA has thoroughly researched the subject and come up with a tool that incorporates all weather factors as well as the physical attributes of players.

“While the tool does allow for the cancellation or suspension of play in the most extreme conditions, historic weather data shows us that this is unlikely for senior domestic cricket. The real benefit will be the guidance it provides on when additional or longer drinks breaks should be incorporated into a day’s play.

“We also have introduced a different tool that caters for our underage domestic competitions, where participants often play many consecutive days at the height of summer.

“The main priority of the heat policy is to provide options to our match officials to maximise play in extreme heat, but at all times placing the health and safety of our participants as the highest priority.”